World's heritage Ançã stone and its surface recession according to the IPCC AR6 global warming scenarios
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The thermo-hygrometric conditions and the amount of rainfall influence the surface recession of carbonate stone together with the contribution of some atmospheric compounds, namely CO 2 , SO 2 and NO 2 . The variation of the thermo-hygrometric features and the rainfall amount due to climate change is responsible for altering the rate of decay of carbonate stones by contributing to their preservation or accelerating their deterioration. It depends on the reference place and climatic variations at regional and global scales. The Lipfert equation provides the means to quantify the annual surface recession of carbonate stone due to clean rain, wet and dry deposition of pollutants and the equation can be modified according to climatic variables. According to historical (years 1995–2014) and foreseen meteorological conditions (years 2080–2099) and based on the IPCC ARS 6 scenarios, this research will calculate the surface recession of the Ançã stone (UNESCO World Heritage since 2024) along continental Portugal. The results are illustrated by thematic maps and show a clear decrease in surface recession in the various climate change scenarios if compared to historical data. Several chemical, petrophysical as well as meteorologic, geographic and geomorphological factors can act by favour or disfavour the surface recession. Between them, the amount of rainfall is crucial in this "decay balance". Knowing the surface recession of the far future would support the decision-making regarding preventive protection measures for all the buildings assembled with Ançã stone considering its current relevance.
Source: Heliyon
Institution: University of Évora
Language: English
Subfield: Earth-Surface Processes
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,270
Funder: European Commission
Award: G7122207306
OpenAlex ID: W4417021012
